Committee formed to appraise Tiger status in Panna reserve

NEW DELHI: Amid reports of declining Tiger population in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve, the Centre on Wednesday said it has constituted a committee for appraisal of status of tiger population of the reserve.

Besides, the government has directed the Wildlife Institute of India to look into the matter, the Minister of State for Environment and Forest S Regupathy told Lok Sabha.

Several steps were already initiated by the government for Tiger conservation across the country like financial assistance to 17 Tiger Reserves for deployment of Tiger Protection Force, comprising of ex-army personnel and local workforce, he said.

An amendment in the wild life protection act is suggested for constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau, Regupathy informed the lower house.

The Centre has constituted multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau comprising officers from police, forest, customs and other enforcement agencies to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife, he said.

Strengthening of anti-poaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, is also part of the action taken by the government, he said.